Iraq, Switzerland Eye Stronger Private Sector Cooperation

A round of political consultations was held at the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Baghdad between Undersecretary Mr. Mohammed Hussein Mohammed Bahr Al-Ulum, and Ambassador Monika Schmitz Kirgöz, Assistant Secretary of State for the Middle East and North Africa at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.

The meeting reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to enhancing cooperation across a range of sectors. Mr. Bahr Al-Ulum expressed Iraq’s appreciation for Switzerland’s ongoing support and highlighted Baghdad’s desire to expand collaboration in light of Iraq’s improving security landscape and steady economic growth. These conditions, he noted, provide a favourable climate for investment and partnership.

Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in education, capacity building, and the exchange of expertise, particularly in banking reform, water resource management, and training for diplomatic staff.

Additional proposals included reactivating the Iraqi-Swiss Joint Committee, concluding bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding, and promoting collaboration between the two countries’ private sectors through chambers of commerce.

Touching on regional dynamics, Mr. Bahr Al-Ulum outlined Iraq’s foreign policy approach of “productive diplomacy,” aimed at fostering economic integration and regional stability. He referenced major initiatives such as the “Development Road” project and Iraq’s mediating role in resolving regional conflicts.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to implementing agreed-upon initiatives, intensifying diplomatic coordination, and expanding bilateral ties to serve mutual interests and support stability and prosperity in the wider region.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs